N- peters



' (No Model.)

H. J'. WELC-H.

I SHOVEL. No. 294,419. v Patented Mar. 4, 1884.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENEYJ. WELCH, or GARTHAGE, NEW YORK.

YSHOVELJ SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 294,419, dated March 4, 1884.

' Application filed January 7, [884. (No model.) i I To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY J. WELCH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Garthage, in the county of Jefferson and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shovels; and I do here by declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form. a part of this specification, viz:

Figure 1 is a representation of the shovel complete, comprising blade, head-block, and handle. Fig. 2 is a representationpf the permanent head-block and handle. Fig. 3 is a representation of the shovel-blade separate and apart from the head-block and handle.

My invention relates to shovels made either of wood or iron or other materials, to be used for any purpose where a shovel is required, but more particularly for the purpose of shovcling snow. Experience has fully demonstrated the fact that in the use of shovels the first thing to wear out is the blade and the end first used; that when thus worn out the handle and head is usually good, but cannot be detached from the blade; hence both are thrown aside as useless. To obviate this difficulty is the object of my invention, and which is accomplished as follows: I use the headblock and handle, as shown in Fig. 2, both of which are made strong and permanent, with iron band or wire F, which is fastened onto the side of the head-block B by means of screws or nails, and which runs the entire length of the under side of the head-block, leaving a space large enough between the head-block and the iron F to admit one end of the blade A. This blade, as shown in Fig.

3, is ironed at both ends, Gr G. A washer or plate, J, in the center of blade A, through which is'a hole for the insertion of the bolt E, is shown in Fig. 3. When the blade is inserted, as shown in Fig. 1, the side band, F, prevents any side movement of the rear or back. end of the blade, and the bolt E is made with a nut and screw, which, when screwed down, holds the blade permanently in its place without the aid of any other fastening.

When the end of the blade first used is worn out or damaged, by unscrewing the nut on bolt E the bolt can readily be removed, the blade pulled easily from between head-block, and

band or iron F turned around or reversed, the

injured end taking the place of 'the good one, (and vice'versa,) or the good end the place-of the injured or damaged one, and again fastened with the same bolt, nut, and screw.

When the old blade is worn out, a new one, costing a small sum, can be at once inserted into the old head-block andhandle.

The blades can be made separate from the head and handles and readily attached with out expense, and are more easily shipped for use.

What I claim as new is 1. In a snow-shovel, the combination of the reversible blade and the head-block with the handle, the securing-bolt E, and strap F, substantially as described.

2. In a snow-shovel, the blade A, having double edges G G and central perforation, and adapted to be reversed, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I aff x my signature in presence of two witnesses.

HENRY J. WELOH.

Witnesses: I I I O. N. WALSH, FRED VEISIOOTT. 

